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(Model.)

M. R. B ISSBLL.

\ SEAMLE SS FELT BOOT. V

No. 256,538. Patented Apr. 18, 1882.

N. PETERS. rhuw ulm n ner. Wuhingmn, 04 c.

UNITED STATES "PATENT OFFICE.

MELVILLE R. BISSELL, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO THE GRAND RAPIDS :FEIi'I BOOT COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

sE-AMLEss FELT BooT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Pal'ieint NO. 256,538, dated April 18, 1882.-

Application filed February 6,1882. (Modeh) To all whom it m concern;

Be it known that I, MELVILLE R. BISSELL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Grand Rapids, in the county of Kent and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improvements in Seamless FeltBoots, of which the following is a specification.

My im'ention relates to seamless felt boots adapted to be worn either with or without an inner shoe or an overshoe, as hereinafter described.

Heretofore seamless shoes or ankle-boots and slippers have been made wholly of fibrous material, the uppers and soles being formed of cloth or felt, and are in one piece, without seam or stitching. Leg and foot coverings adapted to be worn inside of a boot in cold weather have been made of sheep-skin with the wool on, the leg or upper being formed in one piece without seam, and the sole, which is composed of similar material, being stitched to the under side of the upper in the usual manner. The leg-piece has also been provided with an opening having a flap which overlaps the same, and is provided with straps for buckling the upper tightly around the leg. My invention differs from these in several important particulars, which render it applicable to a more extended use than is possible with those referred to, the seamless felt boot made in accordance with my invention being capable of affording a more perfect protection to the feet and legs, either while riding or walking, and being also equally useful either as an inner or an outer covering.

In .order to more perfectly accomplish the" view of my improved seamless felt boot, show-.

ing the same laced. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the same unlaced with the flaps or lapels thrown back, and showing the interior of the boot and its recessed lapel. Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the boot-leg, also showing the lapel or flap; and Fig. 4, a sectional detail, showing the interior of the boot at the lower end of the flaps or lapels.

Like parts are indicated by like letters in the several views. The boot A is composed entirely of wool or similar fibrous material, and isformed by felting in one continuous piece without seams.

In order to facilitateits being drawn over an ordinary shoe or boot, a longitudinal slit or opening is formed in the leg at the front or back, or in either or both sides. The opening thus made is closed by the flaps B B, one of which is recessed, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, and

It will be observed that in forming that part of the leg portion of the boot which constitutes the outer flap the stuff is thickened, so as to afford material which will admit of the formation of the recess. It will also be seen that when the inner flap is received into this recess the inner side of the inner flap will be flush with the leg portion adjacent said recess, and hence a plane inner surface will be formed, which will not be inconvenient to the wearer, and also that the boot-leg will not be materially thickened when the flaps are brought together. The feet of the wearer are also protected from dampness by extending the lower end of the inner flap, B, below the end of the longitudinal opening in the boot-leg, as shown inFigs. 2 and 4:. An effective protection to the feet from cold and inclement weather is thus afforded.

The opening in the boot-leg is secured by any suitable means, such as a cord, 1), laced over the hooks c e, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or by buttons or other devices, as may be found convenient.

This boot is particularly designed for use as an external covering for the feet while riding;

but it is obvious that by placing over it an or-- dinary rubber or similar overshoc it may also be employed to advantage while walking. The construction of the boot is such that it can be put off and on without difficulty when employed either as an outer or inner covering and its texture is such as will afford a complete protection against cold.

What I claim ise As an improved article of manufacture, a seamless felt boot consisting of the foot portion, with the leg portion thereof provided with the overlapping flaps B B for closing the same, and fastening devices for securing the flaps together, the foot and leg portion being made in one and the same piece without seam, and one of said flaps being formcd on its inner side with a recess extending its entire length, and adapted to receive the remaining fla p, whereby undue thickness is prevented and 20 a more perfect and comfortable fit is attained when the two flaps are brought together, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two sub- 25 scribing witnesses. v

MELVILLE 1t. BISSELL.

Witnesses:

JOHN Gr. HATHAWAY, HENRY K. STONE. 

